February 12th 2013 10:40.80N 61:38.19W

 

A trip to Port of Spain organised by Jessie James from Chaguramas saw David, Hella, Gill and I watching the carnival parade from the roadside by one of the judging stands.  For most of the day, groups of ambitiously attired performers passed by, pausing to give their best performances to the judges.  The Kings and Queens of the earlier competition were there with their supporters and entourages. There was a circus theme from a group of middle aged (and older) men dressed to represent circus animals; legions of scantily clad younger people dancing their way along the street; and large lorries carrying the powerful music systems that were often felt as much as heard.

 

The atmosphere was a mixture of nervous concentration and excited performance as the participants were clearly both excited by the day and keen to impress the judges with their dancing and costumes. The amount of effort that had been put into the occassion by thousands of people was impressive.  And this was just the formal part.  The partying went on late into (and sometimes through) the night; freed of the strictures of performing for the judges.  Although we were watching the formal parade in Port of Spain, less formal but similarly extravagant events were going on wherever we went.